Report: LeBron, Beckham discuss acquiring MLS team

Miami Heat standout LeBron James said on Monday he is discussing with soccer star David Beckham the possibility of bringing a Major League Soccer franchise to South Florida, ESPN.com reported Monday.

James is a soccer fan and he already has an ownership stake with Liverpool of the English Premier League.

Beckham recently retired as one of soccer's most recognizable figures but recently has been looking into the possibility of running an MLS team.

"There's some interest in both sides," James said of his talks with Beckham, according to ESPN.com. "David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years, and I think it would be great for this city to have a football club for sure."

James noted the talks are only preliminary in nature at this point.

"The research is still being made out, but I think it can be huge," said James. "But you never know. I think this is a great town for soccer. There are a lot of soccer players here. There is a lot of great youth soccer here."

From 1998 to 2001, the MLS had a franchise in South Florida - specifically Ft. Lauderdale, but the team folded.

Last month, a source told ESPN FC that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross expressed interested in partnering with Beckham to bring the MLS expansion team to Miami.